Many, I believe, cannot understand the platonic bonding that goes on between a couple, whether gay or straight. Images of sex seem to overshadow the human bonds that are part of everyone’s connection with every other person. These bonds are one’s character. I doubt those who want no marriage to take place in their lives can understand these platonic bonds — and thus deny others from marriage and adoption. Children respond to the platonic character of an individual. That is a marriage.